Easy to Sew: Make your own Dress

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfjr0Jd-q2PByjLBRsnB9s6F4MirljwGmrfyjbTVaIXRbv6xiEPOkAMEdwI9s6B8pI2GNTwo-gPzXd_0giYU8rMGdUXvAebkHzwskWchC74CxDpzWGrR4_xJJ1U2-QgH3zPIvl5IAPDvj/s1600/Pink+fabric.etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfjr0Jd-q2PByjLBRsnB9s6F4MirljwGmrfyjbTVaIXRbv6xiEPOkAMEdwI9s6B8pI2GNTwo-gPzXd_0giYU8rMGdUXvAebkHzwskWchC74CxDpzWGrR4_xJJ1U2-QgH3zPIvl5IAPDvj/s400/Pink+fabric.etsy.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br>Do you want to try sewing a dress that is easy to sew and looks great, but don't know where to start? Here's a few ideas to start with. The first two patterns are vintage, and the third is a modern take on vintage styles. All are easy to sew up in this gorgeous <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/50074957/pink-poppy-floral-mid-century-mod">pink cotton floral print</a>. All are available in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pintucksew?ref=top_trail">the shop</a> this week. <br><br>On the first pattern, the "A" line shaping just skims over the figure. This pink dress with the bias cut collar is a silhouette that is very flattering on figures with curvey hips. It is a vintage pattern by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/24125595/vintage-1960s-skooter-shift-mod-dress">Simplicity 7625</a> from 1968. When finding patterns, look for "A" line shift styles like this that have simple darts and 2 main pattern pieces. <br><br>Hate to sew zippers? This second pattern is a super straight shift style that has only side bust darts. Chances are you may be able to get away without sewing in a back zipper if the dress slips on over your head! Look for vintage pattern <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/85527875/vintage-60s-shift-dress-easy-to-sew">Simplicity 4471</a> from 1964. <br><br>For a modern fit, I like this third pattern, a discontinued <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105746816/retro-style-sheath-dress-sewing-pattern">McCall's 4768</a>. Although it has only 2 main pattern pieces, the upper body is shaped by princess seam lines. Princess seams are the best way to fit a curvey bustline because you can make adjustments for a perfect look. The flutter hem detail is optional, so this pattern is perfect for a slender sheath dress project. <br><br>When it comes to sewing, this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/50074957/pink-poppy-floral-mid-century-mod">pink floral fabric</a> is an easy to sew cotton sateen that has a smooth finish. This is a recent textile with a vintage look, and it would be perfect for sewing any of these dresses. <br><br>You may have noticed that I selected sleeveless styles for this group. That will save you time and energy spent sewing in sleeves. When fall arrives, just throw on a cardigan and tights, and you'll wear your dress into the cooler weather.

Easy to Sew: Make your own Dress

Do you want to try sewing a dress that is easy to sew and looks great, but don't know where to start? Here's a few ideas to start wi...

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Dress Patterns for Beginners: EASY to SEW

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8-d5QrgehgWYGXGEpsS0SezVscHPCpsm_lCTbgi8-s3RZ-Qu6SYYyVwdKyzjeDfAGrL4sV0Ab1jQFs5B4SxBII4DtloTrF3hyphenhyphencHkozp9ozVhWz-D-0Wzk0pFn7nO0Kx_buQkHHtTmaPN/s1600/Slide4.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew McCalls 6117" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310647804543106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8-d5QrgehgWYGXGEpsS0SezVscHPCpsm_lCTbgi8-s3RZ-Qu6SYYyVwdKyzjeDfAGrL4sV0Ab1jQFs5B4SxBII4DtloTrF3hyphenhyphencHkozp9ozVhWz-D-0Wzk0pFn7nO0Kx_buQkHHtTmaPN/s400/Slide4.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a>This is the first is a short series on sewing patterns that are EASY to sew or EASY for new sewists (beginners). Because these styles tend to be shift dresses (loose with bust darts) or "A" line in shape, they are perfect for summer. This is the season to best sew for warm weather, the timing is right to make one of these styles.<br /><br />What I look for when choosing an easy pattern are several elements that need to come together:<br /><br />1) seam lines: few seam lines to sew - just the side seams please!<br /><br />2) pattern pieces: two main pattern pieces - front and back<br /><br />3) darts: few darts - bust darts are fine<br /><br />4) zipper: nope!<br /><br />5) sleeves: nada!<br /><br />6) neckline: simple and round, I think facing is easier than bias edge, but that's me<br /><br />7) hemline: machine sewn? yes please<br /><br />8) fabric: smooth, medium weight cottons: these are easiest to sew - quilter's cottons, cotton gingham checks, cotton shirting plaids and stripes.<br /><br />Here's a few patterns that would be EASY for a newbie, or FAST for those with experience.<br /><br />Top View, McCalls 6117: The pattern above is probably the most complicated with the neckline "V" slash in front. It also has a center back seamline which will aid in getting a smoother back fit. But overall, it's a simple style.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Wgdcq6excBUenRSG7IhS6GneYKZdyXXxKU23v-seOBqlMJjcRj-ZMwKJkxBdbucOR2oSHJcPz2T-0SWXc_3y2wfkPSPKq0fHp31yLWXjIAz4DuPwxQXWjO5Uvmir78N2IuvMJ_kFpyX/s1600/Slide1.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew dress" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310646323298242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93Wgdcq6excBUenRSG7IhS6GneYKZdyXXxKU23v-seOBqlMJjcRj-ZMwKJkxBdbucOR2oSHJcPz2T-0SWXc_3y2wfkPSPKq0fHp31yLWXjIAz4DuPwxQXWjO5Uvmir78N2IuvMJ_kFpyX/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCall's 9172: View D is sleeveless, optional dart or no dart, ‘relaxed fit’, neckline facing, pull over, large size range<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLOpHckYfaCtAhpSunH0qKOm93XXvUnh5N391kja7CVmKC2mciHGMDDbWTuxoru8keJgTiJp1H0IRNPtMtkJqPnA1rbjSFcHS6n9QtkmU9hMI9z_IHBSBMVZ_vQreVsEy-FArg01dtadq/s1600/Slide11.JPG"><img alt="Easy Palmer Pletch McCalls 6355" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310641780464562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLOpHckYfaCtAhpSunH0qKOm93XXvUnh5N391kja7CVmKC2mciHGMDDbWTuxoru8keJgTiJp1H0IRNPtMtkJqPnA1rbjSFcHS6n9QtkmU9hMI9z_IHBSBMVZ_vQreVsEy-FArg01dtadq/s400/Slide11.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCall's 6355: basic shift pattern by Palmer/Pletch, neck binding, optional fitting darts. This pattern has options for creating a good fit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO_aENmQUehwxOLB_L2OFLbd0AR4B3dvUQoZwBw932ThJf7ksv3m8pJNdwpZ5u48lYRUnaWTNiodoItsojZpNmoBkj-AI93voSoJnKPX353bSHB48ew4eKT3rK52VtqGRjIdojdWs8ppV/s1600/Slide3.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew McCalls 6102" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310633837460594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOO_aENmQUehwxOLB_L2OFLbd0AR4B3dvUQoZwBw932ThJf7ksv3m8pJNdwpZ5u48lYRUnaWTNiodoItsojZpNmoBkj-AI93voSoJnKPX353bSHB48ew4eKT3rK52VtqGRjIdojdWs8ppV/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCalls 6102: View D, shift style, 2 bust darts, pull over, large size range, neckline facing<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvn-WdPipcMykXIvsSggK80kdYAEdS9eCf4pd-YgTjDNgvmc_TeHGqJIbumfo82KiYtYgB5eF0GBR8IuJWjS4hk0vLkLXHqbPW3yIsvIIbi_ivo-JKlcHn2FOmYM11xqtcFEi2RioSSW/s1600/Slide5.JPG"><img alt="easy to sew McCalls 6465" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708310636538557730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvn-WdPipcMykXIvsSggK80kdYAEdS9eCf4pd-YgTjDNgvmc_TeHGqJIbumfo82KiYtYgB5eF0GBR8IuJWjS4hk0vLkLXHqbPW3yIsvIIbi_ivo-JKlcHn2FOmYM11xqtcFEi2RioSSW/s400/Slide5.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 450px;" /></a><br />McCall's 6465: view E, slip over, sleeveless bias tape arm holes, loose A line shape<br /><br />Why Butterick and McCall's? I like their website format. At each pattern page, there is a clear, large view of the garment on a figure. Below this are line drawings (production flats) of the garment showing each seam line clearly. Fabric and notions are easy to read, and the yardage is there also. <br /><br />If you scroll down further, you will find the GARMENT MEASUREMENTS. This information can be compared with a similar garment you own and fit, so you know what the results will be. Use this to select hem width, hip and bustline ease (looseness). It is a great way to determine your pattern size, if you feel the size measurements may not be exactly your fit.

Dress Patterns for Beginners: EASY to SEW

This is the first is a short series on sewing patterns that are EASY to sew or EASY for new sewists (beginners). Because these styles tend ...

Read more »